Tottenham Confirms Conte Will Continue Recuperation in Italy Despite Resuming Early After Surgery

• Tottenham boss Antonio Conte weeks ago underwent successful gallbladder surgery
• He resumed work after just a week despite needing at least six weeks for a full recovery
• The club has now confirmed he will be out for an unspecified time as he returns to his home country

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte weeks ago was diagnosed and underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder in his native Italy, with responsibilities handed over to his assistant Cristian Stellini.

The assistant manager beat Manchester City in Conte's absence, a match where he limited the champion's most potent weapon, Erling Haaland, to no shots throughout 90 mins.

The former Juventus manager returned earlier than expected and oversaw the 4-2 defeat to Leicester City and the 1-0 UEFA Champions League loss to AC Milan at the San Siro.

Conte to return to Italy

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As reported by Athletic UK, the National Health Service (NHS) put the full recovery time after gallbladder surgery between six to eight weeks, but the Italian returned after a week.

As confirmed by the club on Twitter, after routine post-surgery checks, he will stay back at his family home in Italy to continue his recuperation, with no timeline for his next return.

''Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to recover from his recent surgery. Health is the most important consideration, and everyone at the Club wishes him well. Cristian Stellini will assume First Team duties,'' the statement reads.

Two consecutive London derbies at home to West Ham and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium await Stellini as he returns to the dugout to deputise for his boss.

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Reactions to Conte's second leave

@GaryRWard wrote:

He looked so tired and didn't seem to have much if any energy. Obviously, he's got a lot on with this and the deaths of several close friends, a difficult time that maybe he just needs to go home, be with family, leave the stress of football behind him for a few months.

@FarisAlshaikhly wrote:

I do love the guy and I think he’s the best that we can have. But I think for his health and I also think he is homesick as well probably best if he returns to Italy and will wish him the best of luck and hope he gets better soon

@nick_davison10 wrote:

I know his health comes first and wish him a full, healthy recovery. However, its abundantly clear that he wants to go back to Italy, isn't it best all round now just to cut all ties and find someone else to take us on?

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How Spurs fans welcomed Conte

Sports Brief earlier reported that Spurs fans praised Conte's commitment after he returned to England a week after his surgery, labelling him a warrior.

It was apparent he ignored medical advice and looked not like his usual energetic self on the touchline in the two games he managed.

Their joy has now been short-lived as he returns to his home country with no specified return date.